Mercury 6hp - Oil Leak From Prop Shaft Seals

[Terry Bitz]

I have a 2000 6hp Merc. Model 1006201WD<br /><br />I discovered some oil leaking from the prop. When I pulled it off, I noticed the oil seems to be leaking from around the outside edge of the prop shaft seal.<br /><br />My question is: How hard is it to replace the two seals? Do I have to pull the prop shaft off? Looks like Merc sells a seal kit for about $40. <br /><br />This will be the third time this motor has been in the shop for various repairs if I can't take care of it. Of course all repairs were out of warranty.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[RandyJ]

Re: Mercury 6hp - Oil Leak From Prop Shaft Seals

From my couple of years of shade tree business the prop seals area a piece of cake. If you feel uncomfortable about it buy a manual. They aren't free but sure as heck beats paying $50-$100 per hour shop time.

 

[Bear]

Re: Mercury 6hp - Oil Leak From Prop Shaft Seals

If oil is leaking there probably will be water in the oil too. What colour is the oil? Gray or white?<br />It might be just unburned oil from the gas.<br />Look at the colour first.<br /><br />/Bear

 

[Terry Bitz]

Re: Mercury 6hp - Oil Leak From Prop Shaft Seals

Thanks for the advice. I did not know there is a possibility for unburned oil to cause that. The oil I am seeing on the prop is mostly clean and light brown. Either way it's cheap and easy enough to drain the lower unit and take a look to see if the oil in there has a milky appearance. Thanks again.